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Canis Major Dog Park
Canis Major Dog Park is a fenced dog park (free entry) at 12018 Sunrise Valley Dr #400, Reston, VA 20191. Open 8 a.m. on weekends - one half-hour after sunset. Has a separate small-dog area.
Address
12018 Sunrise Valley Dr #400, Reston, VA 20191, USA
Hours
8 a.m. on weekends - one half-hour after sunset
Price
Free Entry
About the Park
A splash pad sets Canis Major Dog Park apart from most off-leash spots in the area — on a muggy Northern Virginia afternoon, dogs can cool down without anyone hauling water from home. The park at 12018 Sunrise Valley Drive in Reston is fully fenced and splits into separate sections for small and large dogs, with shaded seating for the people. Weekend hours start at 8 a.m., and the park stays open until a half-hour after sunset. There is no fee to use it. Reston was built as a planned community with parks woven into its street grid, and this one fits the pattern: practical, free, and divided by dog size so smaller animals get room to play without pressure.
infoWhat to Know Before You Go
Canis Major Dog Park is fully fenced, so your dog can run and play off-leash without worry. This makes it a great choice for dogs still working on recall or for owners who want extra peace of mind.
There's a separate area for small dogs, which is perfect if you have a smaller breed that might be intimidated by larger dogs. This is a feature many dog owners specifically look for.
Dogs can enjoy water features here — great for cooling off on hot days. Bring a towel for the car ride home, because your pup will probably get soaked.
Best of all, Canis Major Dog Park is completely free to visit — no membership or daily fees required.
backpackWhat to Bring
Fresh water and a bowl
Even parks with water fountains can have them out of service. Bring your own to be safe.
Poop bags
Most parks provide them, but don't rely on it. Always come prepared to clean up after your dog.
A towel
Your dog will likely get wet at the water features. Save your car seats with a quick dry-off.
A reflective collar or light-up leash
If you visit near dusk, visibility gear helps you keep track of your dog and stay safe.
High-value treats
Useful for practicing recall in a distracting environment and rewarding good social behavior.
Your dog's favorite toy
A familiar toy can help shy dogs feel more comfortable and give them something to focus on.
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Location
Note: One source claims shared space for all sizes, but most confirm separate areas; supervise dogs accordingly. Note conflicting amenity reports across sources.
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helpFrequently Asked Questions
Is Canis Major Dog Park fenced?
Yes, Canis Major Dog Park is a fenced dog park, providing a safe enclosed area for off-leash play.
Is Canis Major Dog Park free?
Yes, Canis Major Dog Park is a free public dog park open to all visitors.
What are the hours for Canis Major Dog Park?
Canis Major Dog Park is open 8 a.m. on weekends - one half-hour after sunset. Hours may vary on holidays — check locally for updates.
Does Canis Major Dog Park have a separate area for small dogs?
Yes, Canis Major Dog Park has a separate area designated for small dogs.
Does Canis Major Dog Park have water features?
Yes, Canis Major Dog Park offers water features or water access for dogs to cool off and play.
Where is Canis Major Dog Park located?
Canis Major Dog Park is located at 12018 Sunrise Valley Dr #400, Reston, VA 20191, USA in Reston, VA 20191.
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Claim it nowLast updated June 2026 · How we source park data